Antimicrobial-Resistant Gonorrhea Outbreak In Kenya:
A strand of antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhea outbreak has hit Kenya.
- Researchers have raised alarm, warning this infection is asymptomatic in some cases and can cause significant health challenges, including permanent damage to their reproductive systems.
- Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- It can infect both men and women and can occur in the genitals, rectum, and throat.
- If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems, including infertility and an increased risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics).
- Causes:
- Poor infection control and inadequate sanitation and hygiene.
- Overuse of antibiotics and repeated use of poor-quality drugs.
- Genetic mutations of the bacteria.
- AMR increases the risk of infections spreading and becoming harder to treat, leading to prolonged illness, disability and death.
- It also increases healthcare costs and threatens the sustainability of healthcare systems.
